My first experience with chard was about 15 years ago, when someone cooked it for me with marsala wine. I can’t remember that chard recipe, but I fell in love with the green, leafy gem. It comes in our organic box when I specify it, and I do specify it often because I like to make it AND it’s good for us. Low in calories and so many antioxidants! It’s super high in Vitamin K, has great levels of Vitamins A and C. Plus it’s got a low glycemic index for you diabetics or borderline diabetics, and an ingredient that regulates blood sugar. Red chard is said to have anti-inflammatory and detox capabilities.
I usually steam it and don’t even season it–plain. I like the sharp taste, which comes from oxalic acid. There’s the usual debate about whether oxalic acid in foods contributes to kidney stones, blah blah blah. The body absorbs oxalic acid from many common foods: peanuts, spinach,wheat bran, beets–we don’t limit those. As with all things, moderation is key; for me, having chard once or twice a week is not a big deal. If you’re concerned, boil your chard to leach out some of the oxalic acid.
If you want to add a little oomph to your chard dish, I’ve got an idea. Here’s a simple recipe for chard with balsamic and garlic that is oh-so-good.
Ingredients for Balsamic-Garlic Chard Recipe
4 cloves garlic, minced or frozen squares
About 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. I do this by sight, not measurement.
1/4 Cup balsamic vinegar
1 bunch any kind if chard, including rainbow. Discard the stalks and cut leaves into strips.
salt, pepper to taste
Directions
1-Heat the olive oil and saute the minced garlic until tender. Or melt the squares.
2-Add the greens and balsamic. Cook on medium high until greens wilt and are tender.
3-Stir as you cook. I usually cover the pan and steam the greens–they cook more quickly.
Okay, I’m fessing up …. I’ve never heard of chard. Thanks for a dose of my daily learning. Going grocery shopping this afternoon and have put it on my list to try. Clearly the stuff is good for me! A good place to start.
I always plant Northern Lights chard in my garden (hey chard in my garden kinda rhymes, doesn’t it) and I’ve got a bumper crop this year. I usually sautee it with garlic anyways, never thought of adding vineger but that sounds quite good. Thanks for the idea!
I have to admit that I have never tried chard before. We grow our own lettuce and spinach and would appreciate a new leafy green recipe to throw into the mix. I LOVE Balsamic and garlic so this is something that we will give a try. Thank you for sharing such a healthy idea with us at Welcome Home Wednesday. We hope to see more from you next week!
With so many of my favorite ingredients, who can resist this quick and tasty dish? This is similar to the way to cook my organic spinach, collards and kale.We’re so glad you shared this healthy and delicious Balsamic-Garlic Chard Recipe on the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m Pinning and sharing!
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I love chard—had it for the first time a few years ago at a neighbor’s house. This recipe sounds yummy and VERY healthy!
Oh I LOVE chard with my morning eggs!!! I never steam it though-always sauté. I’m going to definitely try this!
I had it with eggs just the other day!
I will have to give this a go. Always looking for ways to make greens interesting!
I love chard! My mom used to make it. Funny, I just wrote about her cooking today. Now – more memories . . .
I love greens. Trying to figure out what chard translates into here, Carol! Thanks for sharing!
I have heard of it….never eaten it to my knowledge. I can use all the vitamins I can get!
Okay, I’m fessing up …. I’ve never heard of chard. Thanks for a dose of my daily learning. Going grocery shopping this afternoon and have put it on my list to try. Clearly the stuff is good for me! A good place to start.
Yummy! I love swiss chard. That would also be a great recipe for kale. Thank you!
I will def try this one. It has great health benefits and sounds delic!
I had never heard of this, but it sounds delicious. I pinned the recipe and will be looking for chard at the farmer’s market this weekend!
This sounds delicious. I like things with a bite and will definitely try it.
I always plant Northern Lights chard in my garden (hey chard in my garden kinda rhymes, doesn’t it) and I’ve got a bumper crop this year. I usually sautee it with garlic anyways, never thought of adding vineger but that sounds quite good. Thanks for the idea!
Ooh, this sounds so good and so healthy. Will have to try it!
I have never heard of chard either. I am definitely going to look for it, it sounds yummy!
I have to admit that I have never tried chard before. We grow our own lettuce and spinach and would appreciate a new leafy green recipe to throw into the mix. I LOVE Balsamic and garlic so this is something that we will give a try. Thank you for sharing such a healthy idea with us at Welcome Home Wednesday. We hope to see more from you next week!
Thanks, Lyn!
With so many of my favorite ingredients, who can resist this quick and tasty dish? This is similar to the way to cook my organic spinach, collards and kale.We’re so glad you shared this healthy and delicious Balsamic-Garlic Chard Recipe on the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m Pinning and sharing!